September 28, 2003

Avoid what is certain to be the last minute rush to fly into Carson City, Nevada on November 1, 2003 for the World Beard and Moustache Championships. This marks the first time that this event has been held in the United States. For $25, you can enter your beard and/or moustache in the contest, and for a mere $10, you can be a spectator at this unique event, which will include a parade that is expected to draw 40,000 onlookers.

Beards and moustaches will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges, with “Big Joy” Mishiel serving as Mistress of Ceremonies. The organizers are hoping for a good number of American entrants in order to have a chance to defeat the heavily favored German contingent.

This just in!!!!!!!! Ted Sedman, the President of London’s Handlebar Club will be in attendance and will throw his hat into the ring. This could bad news for the Germans.

Donald O’Connor, 78, died yesterday of apparent heart failure. He was a comedian, a singer, an actor and an amazing dancer. Perhaps best known for starring with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in “Singin’ in the Rain,” he also shared screen credits with a mule in the popular (and just plain funny) “Francis the Talking Mule” films.

In a brief statement, the family said that among O’Connor’s last words was the following quip: “I’d like to thank the Academy for my lifetime achievement award that I will eventually get.”